I asked God to take my habit away.

God said “No. it is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.”

I asked God to grant me patience.

God said “No. patience is a by product of tribulations. It isn’t granted. It is earned.”

I asked God to give me happiness.

God said “No. I give you blessings, happiness is up to you.”

I asked God to spare me pain.

God said “No. suffering draws you apart from worldly cares & brings you closer to me.”

I asked God to make my spirit grow.

God said “No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.”

I asked for all things that I might enjoy in life.

God said “No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.”

Then I asked God to help me love others as much as He loves me.

God said “Finally you get the idea.”